Make Your Windows Shine with Homemade Cleaners

Yes, your windows will get dirty, but there are different homemade solutions (instead of using chemical cleaners) that could help make your windows shine bright like a diamond. Making homemade window cleaners is relatively easy and requires only a few ingredients. Here are some recipes that homeowners could try:

Vinegar and water

A general window cleaner can be made by using white vinegar and water. The vinegar will help remove films from the glass surface and will leave the window free of smudges and streaks. Mix vinegar and water in equal parts and put in a spray bottle. Spray this solution to your windows and wipe them with a lint free cloth.

Non-liquid cleaner

When your windows are just dusty and not really dirty, they can be cleaned with a dry cloth to make them streak-free. A lint free cotton cloth can be used to polish the windows, and old newspapers can also be used.

Borax

Borax and water can also be utilized to make a natural window cleaner. Mix 2 tablespoons of borax with 3 cups of water. Apply it to the window surface and wipe. After cleaning your windows with borax, wash the glass with equal parts of vinegar and water to polish it and to make it streak-free. 

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Picking Out a Patio Door

Choosing a door for your patio is just as important as choosing the furniture for the patio itself, and the covering or the decors that will adorn the spaces. Doors not only give you direct access to the patio but give it a more elegant look as well. Choosing a patio door, however, is easier said than done as there are numerous kinds of doors you could have installed on your patio.

When picking out a door, there are certain factors that you need to consider, the most obvious being its aesthetics. A door's purpose is to welcome you or your visitors to the patio, slowly drawing them and telling them that it's a great day to sit back and relax outside. For example, French doors and their little windows attract people with their traditional look. Just decide whether you'll go for one with intricate designs or one with a simpler look.

You should also consider how the door opens. If you have limited space, using a sliding door can be better than a traditional French door. Sliding doors are usually an entire glass wall put into a door frame. These don't swing in or out, and can even make the room more spacious with its transparent body. You can also add in a sliding screen door.

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Window Treatment Ideas for Different Types

Different types of windows, from bay to double-hung, have their own purpose of enhancing natural lighting, view, and privacy. Hence it's a challenge to have to choose different window treatments to go along with whatever purpose you want your windows to serve. Here are some ideas:

Bay Windows

Bay windows are made to increase the space within a house without actually tearing down an entire wall. You can opt for a valance to hang above it, so as not to disguise the space that the window offers or to obstruct view. You can also place roman shades that you can easily retract if you want a leisurely gaze or do some reading in natural lighting.

Arches

It can be tricky to decide on an efficient window treatment for your window arches. While you can easily fit horizontal blinds or valances over them, this might prove to be costly and space-consuming. Opt for a honeycomb shade instead, as it fans into a nice semicircle that can be a perfect fit for your windows.

Picture Windows

A picture window allows for maximum natural lighting and view, so it's best not to let it get obstructed by thick drapes and curtains. Instead, go for blinds that you can raise as high as possible, just like honeycomb blinds.

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What to Do Before Installing New Windows

There are many reasons why you may need to replace your home's existing windows. For instance, it is quite possible that your decades-old windows can no longer keep out the draft or maintain your home’s curb appeal. While you’ll need to get newer and more energy-efficient replacement windows soon, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind before purchasing and installing replacement windows.

First, identify your needs. If your purpose is to simply have a newer set of windows, then choose windows with similar features as the existing one you want to ditch. However, if window replacement is but part of a bigger remodeling project, then you can choose a different type of window based on the overall look you want for your home.

Next, see to it that you are involved in the window installation or remodeling project every step of the way. Make sure that your contractor knows what you really want so he or she can recommend suitable options. This way, you can avoid costly fixes that arise from miscommunication.

Finally, be realistic when setting a budget for your window replacement project. In any case, don’t compromise quality by settling for low-quality products or substandard installation services.

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Reputation: What to Look for in Window Companies

The Colorado Department of Law acknowledges that scams involving unscrupulous construction contractors are fairly common in the state. One specific scam involves shady contractors going from door to door, offering “free inspections” and special rates to homeowner who agree to pay upfront. What usually happens is that little to no work gets done, even if these purported “contractors” promise to return at a later date.

The scam may sound too obvious, but homeowners whose properties were ravaged by a storm may still fall for it out of desperation. As such, the Office of the Attorney General strongly encourages everyone to steer clear of these “traveling” contractors and instead work with reputable local companies. This is especially relevant for homeowners in Colorado, where not all roofing contractors who come knocking at your door may in fact be licensed to operate within the state.

To get this information, homeowners are advised to access online resources and consult with the local business office. A stream of positive reviews and a host of commendations from previous customers can serve as indications that you have indeed found the right contractor for the job. When in doubt, it is also advisable to contact the local District Attorney for more information about a particular company.

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Home Considerations for Replacement Windows

You stand to gain several benefits when replacing your old and inefficient windows, from beautifying your home to gaining some much-needed energy savings. Keep in mind, however, that there are plenty of things to consider – such as u-factors, low-e ratings, and the like – when choosing a suitable replacement window.

For instance, child safety should be your primary concern because some replacement windows may not have safety latches and special looks that can prevent small kids from accidentally falling through the window. Ease of cleaning is another concern, particularly if you have to step out of your homes simply to your windows’ exterior surfaces. A common solution to this problem involves switching to windows with tilt-in sashes that allow both faces of a window pane to be cleaned while indoors.

More mundane considerations include the size of the window(s) that need replacing as well as the condition of their frames. It is, after all, common sense to install a replacement window of the same size as the old one, although a brand-new frame may also be needed if the current one is in very poor condition. Such structural challenges typically confront home restoration companies who work with vintage homes, given that they would have to undertake minor window repairs before carrying out a replacement job.

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